Groundwater access unlocks women-led farming in Kapchorwa

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In Uganda’s eastern district of Kapchorwa, farmers have historically depended on erratic rain-fed agriculture, a practice that has often left them at the mercy of unpredictable weather patterns.

But one intervention there is helping particularly some female farmers discover and embrace groundwater harvesting techniques for farming.                

They dig deep and shallow wells to access groundwater, which they pump with solar energy to irrigate their crops.

Irrigation is regarded as a significant initiative in modern day farming due to increased climate variations. (Photo by Javier Silas Omagor)

Others access water from boreholes for crop irrigation, especially during dry spells.

Kapchorwa lies on the Uganda side of the Mount Elgon Aquifer, which is shared with Kenya.

The aquifer covers an estimated area of 4,900 km², with about 85 per cent of it located within the Nile Basin. It extends from Mt Elgon, a solitary extinct volcano straddling the Kenya-Uganda border.

On the Ugandan side, the aquifer underlies at least nine districts: Kapchorwa and Kween, which are entirely within the aquifer region, as well as Amudat, Bududa, Bukwo, Bulambuli, Nakapiripirit, Namisindwa, and Sironko.

One of the female farmers making use of this aquifer’s groundwater is Harriet Chelangat, who owns a farm on the slopes of Mt Elgon in Kawowo village, Kawowo sub-county, in Kapchorwa's Tingye county.

Using groundwater system on her farm, she has enhanced her farming practices and increased the harvest.

Solar-powered water pumps

Kapchorwa women farmers have embraced technology powered groundwater initiative. (Photo by Javier Silas Omagor)

With the aid of a groundwater well, Chelangat uses a solar-powered water pump to irrigate her gardens, ensuring a consistent water supply regardless of the unreliable weather patterns.

This innovation has enabled her to cultivate crops such as cabbages, tomatoes, wheat, sunflower, onions, and other fast-maturing vegetables.

“The impact of this groundwater has been life-changing,” she says. She used to rely solely on the rain, which often led to uncertainty and losses, especially during the dry seasons.

However, the widowed mother of seven now provides her crops with the necessary water all year round with the groundwater irrigation system.

“I have seen my yields increase, allowing me to feed my family and sell surplus produce."

Solar-powered water pumps extract groundwater from deeper underground reserves and channel it into irrigation systems.

This agri-technology is considered both eco-friendly and cost-effective, allowing farmers to maintain consistent water access, reduce dependency on rain, and boost crop yields.

Another beneficiary farmer is Topester Chemutai, a female model small-scale farmer in Kapchesombe ward, Kapchorwa Municipality, in Kapchorwa.

She harvests groundwater from a borehole and pumps it to irrigate her passion fruits and Irish potatoes. When she is not irrigating, Chemutai and her neighbours use the borehole to access water for domestic use.

She says harvesting groundwater for irrigation has “transformed not only our lives as rural women, but also the way we do farming in this society".

With access to groundwater, Chemutai has been able to transform her barren fields into flourishing gardens, growing a variety of crops and gaining financial independence.

This innovation has allowed them to not only feed their respective families but also to sell produce at local markets.

'Incomes changing daily'

Winnie Cherop, another farmer residing in Kwoti ward, Kapchorwa Municipality, is also part of this thriving group of female farmers.

She describes the introduction of solar-powered groundwater irrigation systems as a significant turning point for their farming practices.

“Our incomes are changing daily, and this growth continues throughout the year, unlike in the past,” says Cherop.

She says these advancements are not only impacting their farming, but they are also changing lives and improving societal dynamics.

“We relied on traditional water sources for farming, and had little income. Couples used to indulge in so many fights, often leading to separation, further weakening our income generation," says Cherop.

"But now we have a solution." 

'Groundwater better than rainfall'

Meanwhile, in Chema, Tingye county, Esther Chemusto has found a better way to water her tomato farm.

After spending sh3 million to set up a solar-powered irrigation system that taps into groundwater, she no longer faces the high costs of hydropower and water from private suppliers.

“I used to spend over sh40,000 a week just on electricity, and with the added water costs from private suppliers, my monthly expenses could reach sh250,000,” she says.

But Chemusto now enjoys the benefits of using a natural resource, allowing her to save more from her harvest.

Martin Mangusho, who grows Irish potatoes, reinforces Esther’s experience, saying: “Groundwater is far better than relying on rainfall."

He says that unlike unpredictable rain showers that can damage crops, irrigation from groundwater is gentle and reliable.

“We can’t expect rain all year, but groundwater is always available."

Mangusho says it is not just about saving money. It also means healthier crops and a more sustainable farming approach.

According to the Nile Basin Initiative, small farmers in the Mt Elgon Aquifer area primarily practice mixed farming methods.

This approach involves cultivating various types of crops alongside raising livestock. However, this practice is water-intensive, which calls for groundwater exploration to supplement surface water.

Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment has been promoting the solar-powered groundwater irrigation initiative in rural Kapchorwa.

Eng. Paul Ssenyonga from the ministry says that as the lead agency in the project, they are impressed by the social impact, especially on the local female farmers.

“They are able to farm and harvest throughout the season using a solar-powered irrigation approach,” he says.

Jim Justin Yeko, the commercial officer for Kapchorwa, says that around 800 small-scale female farmers in the district have adopted solar energy to pump groundwater for irrigation.

'Better future'

Evelyn Kubarika, the chairperson of Kapchorwa district, praises the new groundwater initiative in her region.

She says tapping into groundwater is crucial for ensuring stable crop production and improving food security.

“Changing weather conditions often result in crop failures and food insecurity, creating hardships for many farmers, particularly women who traditionally bear the responsibility of cultivating food for their families," she says.

Kubarika urges all farmers in the district to support sustainable practices that fight climate challenges.

“Together, we can secure a better future for our farmers and families."

An MP's promise

The area Member of Parliament, Fadil Twalla, says women in Tingye County need water for production connectivity, which he says he has embarked on.

“I have noticed that these women farmers have a lot of potential, and it is against that background that I have donated water pumps for production infrastructure worth millions to support them."

So far, the sub-counties of Kapsinda and Munrya can benefit from the legislator's initiative towards helping Kapchorwa females access water both for production and domestic use.

Twalla vows to continue legislating for women farmers and advocating for groundwater access support for the greater good.